Are there any large Z scale layout

[kelticsylk]

I know this the wrong forum for this but...Has anyone tried building a "large" Z scale layout? Something spare bedroom size.

[ztrack]

You mean something like this? 





It is European based, but I also have US modules that equal about 25% of the size shown.

Rob

[tom mann]

So...there is at least one.

I would be interested in learning why you don't see more.  You can do a lot with Z, even compared to N.  For example, it is easier to create large scale industry that is closer to real life proportions.  The price of equipment is more than what you would pay for N scale, but this is changing in recent years. 

Track is one issue:  there is not much choice, compared to N and HO.  And what is available is odd, like 12" long flex track and code 60 rail.  If someone could crack this nut, you might see more larger layouts.

[DKS]

There's an enormous one somewhere outside of DC, IIRC, and Jim O'Connell has built three large ones in the same room (build/dismantle/build/dismantle/etc.); he's now in HO.

And then there's this: http://ashdown.typepad.com/model_railroad_tv/2011/10/ron-galloways-z-scale-layout.html

[chicken45]

You mean something like this? 





It is European based, but I also have US modules that equal about 25% of the size shown.

Rob

How about you show us a little more?

[ztrack]

Here are two shots of the quarry scene. An German ICE III is on the bridge above the creek and quarry area:





One end of the layout:



Tunnel area I am working on. The space is only 12" wide. Note the prototype photos on the backdrop. This is duplicating an actual village in Germany:



Brewery scene on the other side of the backdrop from the above tunnel scene:



Of course this is all a work in progress!

I would love to see more room sized layouts. They do take time  to build, but in Z, you can do SO much. Every time a train loops my layout, it is traveling 5 scale miles! Think about that. You can model 5' miles of your favorite mainline or short line in this space!

Rob

[ztrack]

Here is one more photo. But this one is of my 8' US Z-Bend Track module. It is 2' wide. There is a working loop that services the mine complex above the double line mains below.



You can see this module was built before I added on to the home layout. The quarry scene in the background is still pink foam! This module is now in the Ztrack offices.

Rob

[kelticsylk]

Wow! Hadn't seen anything like this, ever. These are impressive. All I've seen are smallish modules or suitcase layouts. My own layout is N scale and about 15' x 15'. I sometimes wonder what it would be like in a smaller scale. I know I could model Horseshoe Curve full size. I think just for fun I'd like to create a track plan in Z scale using the same space and general shape.

[ztrack]

Frank try it out! While small layouts will always be a huge part of Z scale, I think the greater potential is larger layouts. I am having a lot of fun trying to create the tunnel scene. Using photos from webcams and Google Earth, I can precisely place buildings, roads and details. It is an amazing concept, especially when you realize you can do it to scale with no real compression.

Robert Allbritton has been modeling the Gotthard Line in Switzerland, both the north and south slope. It is basically too scale, with only a 10% compression. It is unbelievable! This is a photo just show a part of one side of the layout. Yes it is Z and yes it is that big!



Here is an overhead look at the layout from 2005:



But again, image what you can do? The Horseshoe curve - too scale. The Cajon Pass. The Sandpatch. Your home town! All of this can be represented to some degree in your spare bedroom!  22' is basically a linear mile in Z scale. If you have a 10' x 10' room, then that is only two of the four walls, and you are not even branching off into the interior of the room.

I would love to see more room sized layouts. The options are endless.

Rob

[Sokramiketes]

Track is one issue:  there is not much choice, compared to N and HO.  And what is available is odd, like 12" long flex track and code 60 rail.  If someone could crack this nut, you might see more larger layouts.

This.  This is the number 1 problem. 

[ztrack]

I do not use the MTL flex or the Rokuhan flex. The MTL sections are just too short. The Rokuhan is, well, interesting. Marklin also offers 'flex' but it is better suited for long straight aways.

I highly recommend Peco's flex for Z scale. It comes in 36" sections and is very nice to work with. I used it for the sweeping curves on my layout expansion (see below). Robert's Gotthard layout I believe is all Peco.



Rob

[Chris333]

This.  This is the number 1 problem.

+ 1 hundred thousand trillion.

[wazzou]

+ 1 hundred thousand trillion.

What does that look like numerically?

[Scottl]

Is it the track code that is the issue?  With Peco 36" flex, all you need are turnouts and a few crossings.  The rest (like fixed curves) is not needed. 

The Gotthard layout is incredible- some searching on the web brought up a lot of photos.

[Chris333]

What does that look like numerically?

100,000,000,000,000,000,000?